Posts Tagged ‘
Home Security Camera’

Many of our customers ask us this question “What is the best home security camera?” Our answer, as vague as it may seem, is usually “that depends.” Security cameras come in so many different types and varieties for so many different applications, that it is truly difficult to say this is “the best home security camera.” Probably, a more practical question is, “What is the best security camera for this particular application?”

In the following article, we’ll try to help determine what some of the best home security cameras are that Security Camera King (SCK) offers based on their application. Remember everyone’s situation (and application) is different, so it’s important to consider these cameras as presented without tight restrictions.

First, let consider the standard box camera. SCK has three box cameras listed in our catalog. The best home security camera of the three would more than likely be the 600 TVL Dual Power Wide Dynamic Range Box Surveillance camera, Product# SVS-60CDNRD if you need a box camera that has the capability of accepting both of the standard digital video camera power supply inputs, 12 Volts DC or 24 Volts AC. This camera is a Veilux brand camera and it goes without saying that Veilux cameras are some of the highest quality cameras made in the industry.

On the other hand, if dual power is not a concern then SCK’s Product# BC-EL600 600 TVL Super High Resolution Wide Dynamic Range Security Camera is probably the best security camera of this type. Here’s why: Both cameras offer super high resolution, 600 TVL, which provides an extremely highly detailed video image with great clarity and crispness.

Both cameras also offer comparable camera features, but the BC-EL600 excels over the SVS-60CDNRD in that it offers a two year (versus one) warranty and is currently $20.00 cheaper in price ($139.95 vs $159.95).

Now let’s turn our attention to bullet cameras. SCK offers eight different bullet type security cameras each of which could be considered as the best home security camera. The Product# OB-LX420IR50 is a great buy for a standard type bullet camera. It has a range of approximately 65 feet for Infrared recording which is good, however if you are looking for a camera with an extremely high detailed high resolution output, this camera only offers a resolution of 420 TVL. On the other hand, if price is your main concern, this camera definitely qualifies as a best security camera with a featured price of only $49.99.

Comparing the Product# OB-LX550IR120 and the Product # SVB-58IR48 both offer similar features. Both cameras are indoor/outdoor day/night infrared cameras, however the latter camera, the SVB-58IR48 has and edge over the OB-LX550IR120 in that it offers a viewing resolution of 580 TVL vs only 550 TVL. This comes at a cost of $24.04 more, but it is well worth the price. Therefore, between these two cameras, the OB-LX550IR120 could be considered the best home security camera.

Considering the remaining bullet cameras not mentioned so far, here are what can be considered the best home security cameras: Product# OB-LX550IR2150L922 for its superior 200 foot IR range distance and 550 TVL resolution at an extremely economical price of $159.95; Product# TPS-QLBAZ1 for it’s extremely high resolution of 650 TVL and its ability to produce true day/night color video images; and, special use Product #SVB-60IRC80L650D for its unbelievable long range IR capability outdoors of up to 395 feet!

We now come to dome cameras. There are so many dome cameras available for different applications that a book could probably be written comparing them all and trying to determine what would be the best security camera. That being said, we shall limit our discussion to the two dome cameras that SCK includes with their packaged security systems, Product# OD-LX420IR50 and Product# OD-LX520IR50. These two cameras offer some of the “biggest bang for the buck” in dome cameras.

Essentially, the two cameras have identical features with the latter offering a much higher resolution display (that’s why it is bundled with the Ultimate series DVR). Each can qualify as a best home security camera; they have day/night infrared with a 50 foot range, light weight, easy to mount, and are vandal resistant. Either of these cameras may be considered the best home security camera although if your budget is larger there are many dome cameras that at a higher price, would outperform these two.

One of the most effective residential digital video security systems is the home security camera motion sensitive. This camera not only conserves recording time and power resources put can effectively act as an alarm unit, only recording when motion is detected.

There are basically two types of home security systems, digital video security camera systems and security alarms (intrusion alarms). The home security camera motion sensitive combines the advantages of both systems into one by only recording video only when motion is detected. Not only does the owner benefit from digital video documentation of a potential criminal perpetrator inside the home, but if the system is connected to the internet, an email alert can be sent immediately to the owner’s smartphone notifying them of the intrusion.

If the home security camera motion sensitive is used outdoors, (i.e. is an outdoor type digital video security camera) it can also be used to notify the owner of the presence of someone on or approaching the residential property. Cameras of this type are commonly used on extended driveways or gated property/driveways. They can alert the homeowner of a visitor, long before the visitor arrives at a door.

The home security camera motion sensitive is a digital video camera with a built-in Passive InfraRed (PIR) sensor. The PIR scans the camera’s field of view for a differential in heat signatures, such as that caused by a person walking into the PIR and camera’s field of view. When the PIR detects the change in infrared radiation, it interprets this to indicate motion.

The PIR is connected to a relay inside the camera housing. When the PIR senses motion, it triggers the relay to turn the camera on and begin recording. The camera stops recording either when the PIR no longer detects motion or after a pre-programmed time delay. When the camera is battery operated, the PIR conserves battery life (or time between recharge cycles if the batteries or rechargeable) since the electrical drain caused by the PIR function is drastically lower than that needed for the camera to capture video.

There is also another type of home security camera motion sensitive system. The camera for this system is also on and capturing video images. However, the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) are programmed to recognize changes in the video image of the camera’s field of vision. When this occurs, the DVR begins recording as long as the motion is detected. However, this system uses a non-motion sensitive camera and does not offer the advantage of power conservation as does the home security camera motion sensitive.

Residential digital video security systems are incredibly versatile in application these days thanks to improvements in camera, electronics, and computer technology. There are many additional optional features available for home security camera motion sensitive. The following is a list of some of the more common optional features available:
• Day/night vision cameras. These cameras are very sensitive to light such that they can still produce high quality color video in very low light conditions.
• Night vision infrared cameras. These cameras use infrared illumination which is invisible to the human eye to produce high-quality black and white or monochromatic video in total darkness.
• Outdoor cameras. These cameras are designed with a protective enclosure for the purpose of preventing damage to the camera from exposure to weather and other elements (dust for example).
• Wireless cameras. These cameras send their video transmission data using radio waves instead of cables. Using these cameras eliminates the need for an RG-59 coaxial cable to be run from each camera to the DVR. There are also battery operated cameras of this type creating a truly “wireless” camera.
• Internet Protocol (IP) ready cameras. These cameras contain built-in web server technology and can use the internet as a vehicle for networking. Furthermore, these cameras can be monitored anywhere in the world where broadband internet access is available (including 3G and 4G smartphones).
• Hidden or disguised cameras. Camera technology can produce such small digital video cameras that they can be hidden or disguised as another object.

The various features in addition to the motion detector makes the home security camera motion sensitive one of the most effective residential digital video security cameras. If you need more information on this type of camera or are considering a purchase, contact one of Security Camera King’s security experts via “Live Chat” or telephone today.

A home security camera for PC can provide you with security can or surveillance monitoring at a fraction of the cost of an entire home digital video security system. In this article we’ll take a closer look at using a home security camera for PC and some of the advantages and disadvantages of this method versus a standalone system.

Before we begin lets briefly review a typical home standalone digital video security system. An average system will have two or three components: 1) A camera or multiple cameras; 2) A Digital Video Recorder (DVR); and, 3) An optional monitor (A monitor is needed to set up the system, but is not required for further operation of the system unless real-time (live) viewing is desired. However, a full time system monitor is highly convenient and advisable.)

Each camera will require a power supply wire from a power source and a video transmission cable (unless it is a wireless camera) that is run from the camera to the DVR. The DVR contains a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that is much like a PC processor, except that the DSP is designed specifically for security system video applications. The DVR also contains a hard disk drive which stores the digital video files and may have an optional DVD or CD writer for creating copies of video files (for archiving, providing to police, insurance companies, etc.)

A home security camera for PC uses a Personal Computer (PC) to perform the tasks normally associated with the DVR, DSP, and monitor of a standalone system. This type of camera usually connects to your PC in the same manner that the camera would connect to a standalone DVR. In order to connect and thereby communicate with your computer, the camera needs an intermediary device, something that can provide a connection to the PC and the camera, can conduct the PC to perform video security system functions.

This is normally done by using a PCI card that is plugged into an available PCI slot on the PC. The PCI card can not only connect the camera(s) to the PC, but it may contain other circuitry and devices that processes the digital video file, compresses the size of the digital file, stores the file, and controls optional functions on the camera such as Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ).

Normally, a home security camera for PC uses the PC’s hard drive to store the file in the same manner that the DVR would store the file and the computer’s monitor to view the camera live or to review stored digital video files. The PC’s processor is also used, depending on the system, to process the video data. If the PC’s processor is not used to process the video data and is done by the PCI card, then at a bare minimum, the PC’s processor is used to control and coordinate the functions of the PCI card and other hardware.

Advantages
The main advantages to using a home security camera for PC versus a standalone digital video security camera system is a much cheaper cost. A home security camera for PC is usually considerably less expensive than a standalone system. The computer and PCI card take the place of a DVR and monitor which can greatly reduce the cost compared to a standalone system.

Disadvantages
There can be several disadvantages to using a home security camera for PC depending on your perspective. The following is a list of some of the more substantial disadvantages:
• A PC is required. If you have an existing PC it may be used, otherwise you will need to acquire one. This could result in a higher expense than using a standalone system.
• A PC is required. This is not a typo. There is a “double down-side” that could apply. If you use your existing PC for your home security system, the system may demand many of your computer’s resources. This could result in slower computer performance, lack of hard disk drive capacity because of stored video files, etc.
• Possible compatibility issues. The PCI card must be compatible with your computer and the operating software system you are currently using. Otherwise, major changes to your PC may be required.

Each user application is different, so it is up to you to decide if the disadvantages of using a home security camera for PC outweigh the cost savings of a standalone system. For more information, contact one of Security Camera Kings security experts today.

Do you need a home security camera? Security Camera King stocks a vast selection of home security cameras and home security camera systems at discount prices. If you’re unfamiliar with today’s digital video home security camera, read on for some information about the way they work, the different types, and some of their features.

The type of home security camera marketed today is the digital video camera. These cameras are light-weight, powerful electronic cameras that deliver the video image in a digital form. Older models of home security camera were heavy, bulky analog cameras that had less features than today’s camera.

A digital video home security camera works by transferring light energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy can be quantified or measured and used to construct a digital video image. Digital video is actually several digital photographs taken very rapidly (on average around 30 photographs per second) in succession. The rate at which the camera operates is often referred to as “fames per second” or fps.

A digital video home security camera captures a video image and sends it to a processor/DVR or Digital Video Recorder. This unit creates a digital video file that can be viewed instantly on a monitor or saved on the DVR for later use.

Digital video cameras use one of two different sensor chips to create the video image: A Charged coupled Device or CCD or a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor or CMOS. These chips range from about ¼ inch to about 1 inch in size. Usually, a larger chip produces a higher resolution picture (and the cost of the camera is higher also.)

Depending on the camera type and your use, you may also need to purchase lenses for your camera. Lenses are sold based on focal length which is normally stated in millimeters. A long focal length is needed for a greater distance to the target. Check out our CCTV Lens Calculator in the CCTV Learning Center for more information.

There are three main types of home security camera based on shape. Box cameras are normally used indoors unless they are placed in a protective cover for outdoor use. Box cameras are fairly obvious so that may or may not be a benefit. Bullet cameras are normally weatherproofed for outdoor use, but they are also indoor/outdoor models. Bullet cameras can also be somewhat obtrusive. Dome cameras are one of the more popular home security camera types. They can be flush mounted with only the dome protruding from the wall or ceiling. These are probably the less conspicuous style of camera and one of the most popular.

Digital video home security cameras are connected to the DVR by an RG-59 coaxial cable or similar cable. Each camera must have this cable run from the camera location to the location of the DVR. In addition, a power supply wire must be run from a wall transformer or power distribution box to each camera.

If you need to mount your cameras where running these wires could be a problem, you may want to consider a wireless camera that can utilize rechargeable batteries. Wireless cameras with motion detectors can enhance your system even more by conserving on battery power.

Another type of home security camera that is very popular is the baby monitor camera. This camera is usually a night vision infrared camera and a monitor. The systems may or may not be wireless. Infrared cameras use infrared Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs to illuminate their target area. This light can be seen by the camera sensor but is invisible to the human eye so you can monitor your baby all night long without disturbing him or her.

There are several features or options that are available for home security cameras. Some cameras may come standard with these features while others are considered an additional option. Here is a partial list of some of these features:
• Audio recording
• Day/night vision camera
• IP or Internet Protocol ready (these can be networked using a simple broadband internet connection) cameras
• Pan-Tilt-Zoom or PTZ cameras
• Hidden or disguised cameras (cameras are built into common, everyday objects to disguise them for covert monitoring – great for use as nanny cams)

Now that you have an idea of how a home security camera works, the different types that are available, and some of their versatile features, check out our stock of home security cameras and home security camera systems.

Home security camera systems are fast becoming the most popular residential security and monitoring devices used today. It’s no wonder why – their great versatility, ability for do-it-yourself installation, and economic pricing, makes home security camera systems an excellent choice for residential security and monitoring purposes.

The main portion of the center of the page will feature several different systems using the same number of channels. After reading the description of each system, choose the one that matches your needs. If you click on the “More Info” button under your selected system, Security Camera King provides you with simple drop down menus that allow you to change or upgrade your components to meet your specific needs. Any of our featured security camera systems make great choices for home security camera systems.

It’s important that you determine what your security and monitoring needs will be before making your selections so you will be prepared to design the best home security system for you. If you have any questions, talk to one of our security experts either via Live Chat option or by calling us toll free at 1-866-573-8878, Monday through Friday from 9AM to 6PM.

Here are some helpful hints for designing and purchasing your home security camera system.
• Determine if you want outdoor monitoring. If so, do you want perimeter coverage, spot coverage or window and entrance/exit coverage? The number of cameras required will vary based on these choices.
• If you need outdoor monitoring, be certain to purchase “Outdoor” or “Indoor/Outdoor” type cameras. (Indoor only cameras are not adequate for use outside.)
• Plan cabling routes in advance. Each camera will need an RG-59 or similar coaxial video transmission cable run from it to the DVR. Be certain you have enough cable plus an extra 10-25% to do the job.
• Each camera will also need a power supply. This is normally provided by using a plug-in transformer with a line run from it to the camera or from a line run from a central power distribution box.
• Consider the camera type needed for each location and the type of camera mount and location in advance.
• If video cabling makes you uneasy or you find it obtrusive, consider purchasing wireless cameras.
• Determine if any of your camera locations will require special lighting condition cameras such as day/night vision or night vision infrared cameras.
• Determine if there are any other special features needed for your cameras (such as Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ), audio recording, disguised or hidden cameras, etc.)
• Determine the storage capacity size needed for your DVR. The best way to do this is to ask one of our security experts and they can tell you, based on your situation, how much storage space you will need or you can visit our CCTV Learning Center – Calculators to estimate.
• Determine if you need a broadband internet connection and how you will provide that connection to your DVR system.
• If the camera requires them, determine the lenses you will need for each camera.

Although this is not a comprehensive, step-by-step, do-it-yourself instruction, this article should provide you with the basics you need to purchase your home security camera system. In addition Security Camera King is always there to help and has provided as many possible tools to make the job of installing and using your new system easy and enjoyable. Make sure you visit our CCTV Learning Center where you’ll find calculators, Security Related Articles and Videos and our Knowledge Base. In addition many of our home security camera systems also have links to video tutorials on their web pages.